F 104 
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Copy 1 



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REPORT 



APPOINTED BY THE 

LEGISLATURE OF COSr^ECTICTTT, 

TO INSPECT THE CONDITION OF 

■-..1 ->?-^, 'i- ./ 

NEW-GATE PRISON. 

SUBMITTED, MAY SESSION, 1826, 



PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE LEGISLATURE. 



NEW-HAVEN : 

PBINTED BT J. BARBER. 



1830, 



y 






By transfer 
JUL 10 190b 



.4^ a General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, 
holden at Hartford in said State, on the first Wed- 
nesday of May, in the year of our Lord one thou- 
sand eight hundred and ticenty-five. 
Resolved by this Assembly, That it is expedient 
tliat Buildings shoidd be constructed for Newgate 
Prison, containing such a number of cells that each 
prisoner may be subjected to solitary confinement at 
least during the intervals of labour. 

Resolved, further. That Messrs. John Russ, Mar- 
tin AVelles, and John S. Peters, Esqs. be, and they 
are hereby appointed a Committee to enquire into 
tlie expediency of removing the said prison to some 
other place ; to ascertain the best location, if such 
removal is made, and at what expense a suitable place 
for its establishment may be obtained and buildings 
erected ; to specify the plan on which the same should 
be constructed ; and to ascertain and report all such 
facts and recommend such measures relating to said 
prison, and the government, discipline and economy 
thereof, as they may deem important, and report, by 
bill or otherwise, to the session of the General As- 
sembly to be held at New-Haven in May next. 
A true copy of record, examined by 

THOMAS DAY, Secretary, 



To the Hmiourahle General Assembly, now in ses- 
sion. 

The Committee appointed at the last session of the 
General Assembly under a Resolution, a copy of 
which is prefixed, beg leave respectfully to 

REPORT— 

That in entering upon the various and important duties assigned 
to them in this Resolution, they have deemed it of primary necessi- 
ty, to obtain in the first instance accurate information respecting the 
condition not only of our own prison, but of the Penitentiaries of the 
neighbouring states. To secure fully this object, they deputed one 
of their number, the person whose name is second on the resolution, 
to proceed to the States of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Ver- 
iHont, to make an inspection of the prisons of those states, and to 
procure information concerning the evils and benefits of their re- 
spective systems. 

In the prosecution of these inquiries, every facility was furnished 
by the officers of those institutions — every explanation was cheerful- 
ly rendered, and the improvements which reflection had suggested, 
or experience supplied, were freely communicated. The committee 
feel bound, publicly to express their acknowledgments for these 
friendly and polite attentions. The committee have also derived 
great assistance from the experience and suggestions of Mr. Louis 
Dwight, of Boston, who has for the last year devoted himself to the 
subject of prisons and their condition ; and who has, under the pat- 
ronage of a society of gentlemen in Boston, called the " Prison 
Discipline Society," visited nearly every penitentiary in this counfy. 

They have also given to New-Gate Prison a more thorough and 
careful scrutiny than they had been able to do at the time of submit- 
ting their former Report. They have ascertained with as much ac- 
curacy as the state of the accounts would allow, its income and ex- 
penditures — have examined the condition of the prisoners — the state 
of the buildings, and the facilities and advantages of the location. 
The result will be hereafter submitted. 

They have also examined separately some of the most intelligent 
prisoners in our own and in other prisons, and have had access to 
the written examinations of persons who had been formerly prison- 
ers, and who are now in society, sustaining fair characters. They 
have also been furnished with tiie plans and systems of various pri- 
sons, and aie in possession of many of the reports and official docu- 
ments concerning them. 



We have thought it right to present to the Legislature some ac^ 
count of the sources from which has been derived tiie information we 
propose to exhibit. We have not felt at liberty to indulge in specu- 
lations ourselves, or to pursue the opinions of mere theorists, how- 
ever ingenious, believing that on this subject, of all others, the lacts 
should speak. The lield of inquiry is vast and ample, and the more 
it is explored, the more it «ill expard : but the search while it inspires 
the most absorbing interest, will also richly repay the examiner. It 
is a history little known, but it is a history of crime, of sutrering, of 
moral debasement, and reciprocal corruption, from which no Legis- 
lator should turn his eye. 

From these various sources a mass of testimony has been ob- 
tained establishing in the minds of the committee, the existence in 
our penetentiaries of facts, of the most appalling and dangerous 
character. Of the existence of some of these tacts, the committee 
had not at the time of their former report the least suspicion, and in 
thrir opinion they are to be attributed principally to the crowded 
state of the cells or night rooms. 

Tn our view the evidence is such as will warrant the belief, that in 
some of our penitentiaries, if not in a/I'm which the convicts arc pla- 
ced in large numbers together in the cells, the crime of Sodomy has 
been perpetrated in numerous instances with entire shamele^sness and 
notoriety. If that unnatural crime is ever perpetrated, we should 
look tor its commission among men shut up tVom all tlit^ enjoyments 
of society ; among hoary headed convicts, condemned to long im- 
prisonment, and whose ])assions and principles have been corrupted 
and degraded to the lowest point of debasement, and wiio are at 
night in numbers of from lour to thirty-two persons locked together 
in cells which are not subjected to oflicial inspection. 

There is also evidence that in many penitentiaries, the business of 
counterfeiting coin and bank bills is well understood, and in some in- 
stances, piaclised by the prisoners. We have seen the coin which 
were found on the prisoners, and Dank bills have also been t'ound in 
every stage of alteration, and indeed the very recipe by wliich the pro- 
cess of alteration is conducted, has been discovered. During this ex- 
amination one of the prisoners who appeared to be an intelligent and 
well informed man, and who is under a lone sentence for cour;ter(eit- 
ixig, ofi'ered to the committee, that if he could be assured of hi liber- 
ty, he would disclose to them a mode or preparation (now a secret 
one) by which Bank bills and other written or printed instruments 
might be effectually secured against alteration orvaiiation. As> the 
committee were unauthorised to give any such assurance, he d<> lin- 
ed making the di«^vlu5ure. In these cells the young convict is m-idc 
acquainted with the pass word or token, which will introduce iiim 
when he shall be discharged from prison, to combinations ef persons 
who are engaged in making and passing spurious money. 

The making of faUe keys and cuiious implements for opening 
houses and stores is thoroughly understood. These implenients and 
keys of most curious and beautitul workmanship we havi -;• -n and 
do not hesitate to say that bars, and bolts, and locks, ought not to 



6 

be considered as any security against these instruments in the hands 
of a Avell instructid convict. 

In these rooms tlic prisoners are taught the best means of firing 
buildings, and the manner of preparing tlie match and ascertaining 
the necessary Inigth of matcli to enable the villain to escape before 
ihr explosion. 

We also state that in some prisons a regular and systematic inter- 
course is carried on vvilli persons who have been discliarged. Plans 
for plunder and escape are here matured, and as we were informed 
by «)neof the ollicers of the Massachusetts prison, there is no doubt 
but the robbery and murder of the late i\Ir. Gould, of Stoneham, was 
concerted in the shoe shop of that prison. 

No efforts are spared to render the young convict unprincipled and 
profligate; he is taught to believe that society has cast him oflf, and 
shut iiini out from all the enjoyments of life, and this wrongfully — 
that this is accomplished by the wealthy and powerful, who have al- 
ways waged war against the rights of the poor; and he is made to 
feel that society, having injured him — he has a natural right to re- 
venge upon it. In these cells these topics have been so frequently 
discussed, and these principles so fully inculcated, that they have, 
when acconi[)at)ied by the actual hardships and suflferings of his con- 
dition, prochu ed in the breast of the convict the most deeply rooted 
liostility. To use the emphatic language of one of the most intelli- 
gent prisoners in New-Gate, examined by us, *' I have" says he 
" here unjustly suffered so much, and seen, and heard so much, that I 
am not as I was ; my nature has become changed and hardened 
against my race — I feel myself let loose from all the ties of society — 
and that I have lost almost all the feelings that belong to humanity." 

We have noticed it as a singular fact, thai in almost every instance 
in which these examinations were taken, the prisoners were disposed 
to regard their punishment as unjust and unmerited; and although 
they admitted they were guilty of the oflence charged, they seemed 
to consider the law and the punishment as rigorous and severe. Jn 
the examination of one prisoner who was spoken of as a penitent and 
reformed man, we could not in a most free conversation obtain any 
further concession, than that he had committed the act for which lie 
was imprisoned, which act was against the Laws — but as to the equi- 
ty of such laws, he thought that to be a different question, on which 
his mind was by no means made up. It is unnecessary for us to re- 
mark that on men cherishing these principles and feelings, punish- 
inent must fail of its effect — every new infliction is considered as a 
new injury to be hereafter avenged. In all these inquiries, the com- 
mittee have uniformly found an entire coincidence of opinion among 
all |jersons connected wilh (he prison government. They have, 
without exception, urged the necessity of separate night rooms, and 
dej)recated the shocking and awful consequences of |)lacing prisoners 
together ; they have urged it as a measure of economy as well as a 
means of reformation, and have treated as chimerical, every idea of 
reformation in the convict, while this reprehensible practice is pur- 
.sued. 



We beg leave to refer to an interesting, letter to the committee from 
Judge Cotton, the Superintendant of the Vermont Stat«' Pri>oii. on 
this and numerous other subjects relating to this inquiry. This letter 
is annexed, marked (A) 

Connected with this consideration is annother fact of deep interest. 
From the best estimates we can make, but which we do not claim to 
be accurate, we suppose that tliereare at large more than 6,000 per- 
sons who have been convicts in our penitentiaries, and who with these 
habits and principles are roaming over the country and are frequent- 
ly presenting themselves for employment in our families, our manu- 
factories, or on board our vessels. 

We have thought it right again to present this subject to the Le- 
gislature, as important in itself; and although alluded to in our former 
Report ; yet that paper is probably in the hands of very few of the 
members of the present legislature. We cannot therefore but feel 
that the declaration of the last legislature, contained in the resolution 
under which we act, " that it is expedient that buildings should be 
constructed for New Gate Prison containing such a number of cells 
that each prisoner may be subjected to solitary confinement, at least 
during the intervals of labour," is one, which will receive the assent 
of every man who will yield his attention to the facts. These facts 
on which thefoiegoing remarks are founded, cannot with propriety 
be fully presented in a Report ; they would (even if proper for public 
exhibition) render it too voluminous. They will be made the subject 
of oral communication and explanation, should the legislature so di- 
rect. 

As to the plan of the buildings proposed to be erected, we are for- 
tunately presented with one in the Auburn prison in the State of New 
York, which has stood the test of experience. This prison has so 
entirely answered the views of its projectors, that the legislature of 
that State have ordered the erection of another prison on neaily the 
same plan at Sing Sing, near Hudson's river ; and have decided to 
abandon the State Prison in the city of New York, on which has been 
expended more than half a million of dollars. The legislature of 
the State of Massachusetts have also at their last session passed a 
law authorising the erection of a new prison on the same plan ; al- 
though within a few years, very large sums of money have been ex- 
pended in tiie construction of their present buildings. On this sub- 
ject, therefore, we leel ourselves authorised to say with confidence, 
that the plan of the Auburn prison should in its principal features be 
followed as a model. The peculiarities of this prison will be more 
fully detailed in connection with our exposition of the subjoined pUin, 
and the system of discipline adopted. 

The first question then which presents itself, is, '' can a building on 
this plan be incorporated with and made a part of the present system 
of New-Gate buildmgs." In reference to this point, we have given 
a careful inspection to the condition of these buildings and their ar- 
rangement. We have also cau>ed to be made an accurate survey of 
the premises owned by the State at this location, which is herewith 
submitted, (marked B.) 



As it respects tliese buildings, we can only reiterate the language 
ive have formerly used, '' that they seem not to be parts of the same 
plan or members of the same system." They are generally old, in- 
lirm, and insecure, and as they appeared to us, they are every tiling 
that they should not be, and nothing that they should be They are 
obviously no part of any entire design, but seem to have been erected 
and altered and amended and patched, as the whim of the various 
keepers, or the supposed convenience of the prison, may have dicta- 
ted. Ih this way the |ilacc has become insensibly a thing of shreds and 
patchps, and so much abounds in nooks, and corners, and bye places, 
and we.ik points, that almost every facility seems to be furnished for 
secrecy and escape. A force of twenty two persons, which is the 
present number, and which is a larger guard than is maintained at 
any other prison in New England, seems here scarcely sufficient to 
restrain and coerce the prisoners. Indeed, with this very guard, three 
escapes occurred about four months before the date of our former 
Repoit; a fact with which \\f were then unacquainted, and which 
we first learned on our visit to Massachusetts Prison in October 
last ; and we have recently been informed that within a few 
weeks a prisoner has escaped who concealed himself in the yard 
until night, and then passed over the walls. The walls of this 
prison extend only across the east and west sides of the yard. 
Two old buildings form the principal barriers on the north and 
south sides. In the outside walls of these buildings there are gra- 
ted windows, through which the persons may readily communicate 
with persons outside ; and may, unless prevented by the presence of 
a sentinel without the walls, and yard — receive into and convey out 
of the prison, literally from hand to hand, any tools, implements, 
packages or intelligence. The night rooms or cells are situated 
some in one building and some in another — in their present state 
thev are excessively offensive and loathsome, and unfit to be made 
the' lodging of men, however criminal, in any decent community. — 
From their construction they cannot be sufficiently ventilated, and 
their condition may he imagined when we say that although we did 
not enter them until 4 o'clock m the afternoon, of a cold and windy 
day in November, during the whole of which they had received as 
much of ventilation as they would admit, the air was in such a state, 
that it was unfit for the respiration of a human being. Vermin of 
various kinds abound in these cells, and from the number of persons 
who are lodged in a single room, (this number varying from seven- 
teen to thirty-two) it is perhaps nearly impossible to cleanse them. 
We are therefore unanimously of opinion, that if this location is to be 
retained, the present buildings are worthless, and ought to be aban- 
doned. 

This brings us to the discussion of what is probably the most in- 
teresting question connected with this inquiry. Is it expedient to 
retain the present location in Granby ? This prison is situated on the 
western side of a range of mountains extending from New-Haven to 
Massachusetts. It is within about two miles of the north line of the 
State. 



9 

I lie laud owned by llic Slate herr;, consists of about 4 3-4 acres 
tlie whole ol" which is sitiiateil on the side oC this mountain, on a de- 
clivity so steep and rapid, ihat it is nearly useless lor the purposes 
of cultivation — unless made ollinto terraces or offsets, at an expense 
which could not be justified. The buildings are on the upper side 
of this declivity, and enclose an area of 1 8? by iGO feet. The surface 
of tjie yard is broken and unequal — iuid beneath it are the caverns, 
which are «'nleied through a perpendicular shaft under the guard 
house. This excavation was made for the purpose of procuring 
copper ore, and is extremely iriegular. In some parts it is seventy 
feet below the hill, aud in others the veins have been wrought in a 
lateral direction, until they have extended nearly through to the sur- 
face of the declivity. The prisoners were formerly lodged in this 
cavern at night, in booths or huts, which were furnished with straw ; 
this from the constant trickling of the water from the roof, soon be- 
came damp and niusly. It was also in proof before us, and seemed 
to be admitted, that persons confined here for any great length of 
time, suffered extremely from the swelling of the leet and legs, occa- 
sioned by the chillness and dampness of the place, and a new fact in 
corroboration has just been made known to us. We are informed 
by the acting overseer that they have been obliged, within a few 
weeks past, to amputate the leg of a prisoner, in consequence of the 
swelling and mortification of the limb, occasioned by a confinement 
in these caverns of seven days. We shall not trust ourselves to 
comment on such a fact ! But we need not pursue this description — 
this cavern is now abandoned, exce[)t for purposes of temporary pun- 
ishment, and we do not believe tiiat the moral sense of this commu- 
nity will again permit or tolerate the confinement of prisoners in such 
a place, and allow to them a free and unrestrained intercourse with 
each other. We feel assured that no Legislator — that no man — can, 
after visiting this pit, ascend from it and say, that this, either in a phys- 
ical or moral point of view, is a fit and proper place for the confine- 
ment and lodging of his fellow man. 

The water for the use of the prison is obtained from these caverns. 
The supply, as will appear from the annexed certificate, (marked C.) 
is very limited, and not sufficient for ordinary consumption. When 
a greater quantity than usual is required, it is brought in barrels 
from a brook, about one mile distant, and for some part of the way 
up a steep and heavy hill. lu the erection of the buildings for the 
tread mill, from seven to eight hundred barrels of water were used 
■which were brought this distance — and during the last year, a great 
proportion of the water used from August to December, was obtain- 
ed from the same source. In case of fire, it will be perceived that 
certain destruction must await the establishment. Indeed, in the 
absence of all direct pi ()t>f on ihe subjecr, if we might be permitted 
to make any inferences from the state of the night rooms, and the 
[irison generally as to cleanliness, and from the condition of the 
bedding and clothing, and persons of the prisoners, we should not 
hesitate to say, that water was in truth obtained with difficulty and 
rarely and economically used. 

The access to this prison i? somewhat difficult to loade<l leani'^, 



10 

The articles manufactured here are principally disposed of at Hart- 
ford, a distance of about J 6 or 17 miles. Many, however, are sent 
off in other directions, and are bartered for articles required at the 
prison. iMany of the iieavy materials used in the shops are obtain- 
ed from Haitford, or other places still more distant. It will therefore 
be perceived that the expences for transportation must be constant 
and heavy. We are unable to state from the examination of the 
prison accounts, how much is thus expended : but it is admitted by 
the persons connected with the Institution, that it forms a very serious 
and impoitant item. 

The population in the immediate vicinity, is thin and scattered, and 
from the appearance of the country to the north, west, and east, we 
should suppose great facilities were furnished for the concealment 
of persons who should escape from the prison, and of others holding 
secret and forbidden intercourse with the prisoners. 

From a careful consideration of these various facts, we have been 
led fully to the conclusion — that it is inexpedient to continue this 
prison at its present location. The original inducement for the se- 
lection of this place, (the use of the caverns) has ceased to exist : and 
probably forever. The remaining inducement for continuing it where 
it is, can be found only in the value of the materials which are al- 
ready here ; for as buildings to be preserved as a part of a new sys- 
tem, we have already stated our opinion, that they aie worthless. — 
As mere building materials, they will be worth little more than the 
expense of taking down ; and we have no doubt that they are worth 
much more in tlieir present condition than they would be for any 
other purpose. We are not aware that there is in this vicinity any 
raw material which can be obtained in sufficient abundance, or 
wrought or sold without an expense for transportation which the bu- 
siness would not justify. And we are satisfied, that this location 
is on every account, so unpropitious, that tliis prison if continued 
here in its present, or in other buildings, will forever be a heavy 
annual expense on our treasury. 

We are aware that there is an objection against the removal of 
this prison, which is honestly entertained by a respectable class of 
our citizens ; and which we have not yet noticed. It is this, " That 
3Sew Gate as a Prison, has, both abroad and at home, such a dread- 
ful notoriety among criminals ; such a wide spread reputation as a 
place of severe and terrible punishment, that it furnishes over every 
other prison a strong and peculiar inducement to abstain from crime. 
The persons composing this committee are free to admit that they 
have at no very remote period entertained the same opinion ; but a 
more familiar acquaintance with facts has induced them, as they trust 
it will others, to relinquish this opinion as erroneous and unfounded. 
In the first place, is this opinion founded upon well ascertained 
facts ? or has it been taken up and passed from hand to hand with- 
out examination and without facts ? If this prison has indeed this 
dreadful notoriety, and is in truth more fearful to the criminal, 
than the prison of any other State ; the appropriate and only prac- 
tical evidence would be, that the number of prisoners compared with 
the population ; and that the recommitments compared with the whole 



11 

number of prisoners, were less than in other States. So far as we 
have had an opportunity of examining, the facts are otherwise. 

By a reference to our former report, it will be perceived that the 
whole number of prisoners in New Gate, on the 23d day of February, 
1825, was 117> of whom 26 were returned on second convictions ; so 
that nearly one fourth of the whole number had been before tenants 
of this prison. 

From the report of the Warden of the Massachusetts Prison, made 
up to Sept. 30, 1824, it appears that the whole number committed to 
that prison since 1805, is 18l6, of whom 213 had been returned on a 
second commitment, being of the whole number less than one eighth. 

The proportion of recommitments in New-Hampshire is still less. 
From a Report made to the legislature of that State, in 1822, it 
appears that the whole number of commitments at that prison from 
1812 to 1822, was 188, of whom 4 only were returned on a second 
commitment. The statement to be deduced from these facts then 
will stand briefly thus. Of the whole number of prisoners, there is 
in prison in Connecticut on a second commitment, 1 person in 41-2 
31assachusetts, " " " 1 " in 8 1-2 

New Hampshire, " " " 1 " in 47 

We will not pursue this estimate ; we are aware that a more minute 
comparison, embracing precisely the same periods of time, might in 
some respects, vary the result, but believe that with the exception of 
the prison in the city of N. York, and that in Philadelphia, New-Gate 
has received a greater relative number on second commitments than 
any other prison. 

If we institute a comparison founded on the relative population of 
these States the result will be still more decisive. Let New Hamp- 
shire be taken as the subject of comparison, because we are pos- 
sessed of more full returns from the prison of that State than any 
other. In making this comparison, however, we ought to take into 
consideration, that in New Hampshire, larceny or theft, over a certain 
amount, is punished in the State Prison, while in Connecticut it is 
not so punished, except the stealing of horses. From the Report to 
the Legislature of that State, referred to above, it appears, that the 
number of commitments was 188, for the following crimes : viz. 25 
horse stealing, l6 passing counterfeit money, 12 forgery, 7 assault, 3 
arson, 2 manslaughter, 2 burglary, 1 perjury, and 120 for larceny 
or theft. If larceny in Connecticut was subject to the same punish- 
ment, the whole number of prisoners in New-Gate, according to the 
above rate, should be set down at 323, on the 23d day of February, 
1825 ; — the actual number in our prison at that time being 117, and 
in the New Hampshire prison being 70. According to this estimate, 
New Hampshire with a population of 244,000, has in her prison 70 
prisoners ; Cormecticut with a population of 275,000 has, or should 
have, (were her laws similar,) in her prison 323 prisoners. In other 
words, if we adopt this scale, we find that in Connecticut one person 
in 851, is a prisoner; and in New Hampshire one person in 3485. 

From this statement it is apparent that according to our popula- 
tion, compared with that of New Hampshire, we have in our prison 



12 

more than tuurtinKS llie number of convicts wtiicli are found in the 
prison of tliat ^^tatc. 

\Ve are aware that many relative circumstances and diversities in 
our laws should be taken into consideration before tliis com[)arison 
can be instituted with entire precision. Still, for every purpose of 
this argument, we apprehend, that this eom|)arative view may be 
relied on. What then becomes of the opinion that New (iate as a 
place of punishment, can claini some tenihle pre-eminence over 
every otiier prison, and presents peculiar antl powerful inducements 
to abstain trom crime ! But even admitting for a moment that there 
is some foundation for this opinion, it woiild become important to ascer- 
tain why this prison is thus feared, before any conclusion should be 
drawn from the fact. It is obvious that it may be feared for rea- 
sons which ought not to e.Kist ; — the existence of which would be 
incompatible with the dignity or respectability of the State. But we 
need not seek far for the occasion of this dread, since in reality it 
is productive of no elTect other than to fill our pi ison with offenders. 
Indeed we doubt whether it is either piiilosophical or in accordance 
with historical facts, to suppose that persons are deterred from crime 
by the severity or magnitude of the punishment. — It is the certainty 
which deters, and were it true that every instance of transgression 
should of necessity be visited with its appropriate punishment, even 
if a mild one, how few would hazard the [x-nalties of the law. It is tlie 
hope of escape which lures the villain on ; the belief tiiat his plans 
and bis artifices are so well arranged that detection is in his case im- 
])ossible — and he does not stop to enquire how much he is to b"? pun- 
ished, when he intends not to he punished at all. 

We have now briefly examined the arguments which we have heard 
offered for the continuance of this prison at its present location. We 
have also exhibited such considerations as have influenced us in re- 
commending its removal. Among these its heavy annual expense 
has not been least. The siibjoined document, (mark<nl I).) from the 
Comptroller's office, shews the annual and total expence of tliis pris- 
on to the State. The whole amount of monies there expended and 
paid out from the Treasury over and above all that has been earned 
there, appears to be .^•204,711 38, up to March 31st, 1826. The 
sum drawn from the Treasury' for the support of the Prison for the 
last year, is $Q30\ 08. 

The whole number of convicts committed from the establishment 
of the prison to the year 1824 inchisive, is 654 : the whole expence 
for that period is .^198,410 30 — making an average expence for each 
prisoner of something more tlian ^^303, exclusive of costs of pursuit, 
conviction and commitment. 

It has occurred to us as a remarkable fact that in a state so cele- 
brated as is Connecticut for its exact and economical expenditure, an 
Institution making such heavy demands on our Treasury f».>r its sup- 
port, should have been so long tolerated without a more strict and 
rigid enfjuiry into its concerns than seems to have been institiite<l,and 
without establishing and enforcing an accountability, which, as it ap- 
pears to us, has neither been felt or realized. We had hoped that 
the PxaminAtion heretofore given by us to the accounts of this insti- 



13 

tution and the remrirks wo then submitted on the manner of kee|jiiio' 
them, might have been followed by a better system ; but we are con- 
strained to say, that althou,^!i the place of keeping these accounts is 
not the same, the systrm itself m its great and leading features, is 
unchanged — and the whole matter seems to us to rest in an obscuritv 
and uncertainty which ought not to be longer submitted to. In t!ii"< 
system there arc no proper checks — th.-rc can be no thorougii and 
satisfactory settlement — it is one which is not adopted in any other 
similar institution within our knowledge — nor is it practised in anv 
well regulated private concern. 

Wc have thouglit it to be our duty again to bring this subject be- 
fore the Legislature, as we are now satisfied tiiat nothing but Legis- 
lative enactment will reach tlie difficulty. 

The subject of selecting a proper location for the Prison is one to 
which the committee have devoted the most anxious attention. There 
are so many circumstances affecting this question — so many consid- 
erations to be weighed and adjusted; such as the nature of the em- 
ployment to be pursued — the presence of the raw material adapted 
to the business — the ready and cheap supply of provisions — the vi- 
cinity of a market — and the ease of transj)ortation, that the commit- 
tee do not mean to express with great confidence any opinion. They 
have however been obliged to come to some result, and that result 
with the facts, will be with diffidence submitted. 

In fixing upon a location, reference should be had to the business 
to be pursued. It is desirable that the employment of convicts should 
be confined to few branches — as we incn-ase the number of separate 
branches, we enhance the expence for sitf)erintendants and necessarv 
tools. The business should be simple, and one at wiiich the old and 
debilitated, the inexpert and indocile may work. The tools should 
be lew and cheap, and not such as will in the hands of t!ie convicts, 
become dangerous weapons. The manufactured article should com- 
mand a ready sale, and its value consist principally of labor. 

From the very successful management of the Massachusetts and 
New-Hampshire State Prison?, our attention has been closelv drawn 
to the business of cutting or hammering Stone, which is there princi- 
pally pursued. We have endeavored to obtain and shall now pre- 
sent such details of that business as will enable the Legislature to de- 
cide whether it is expedient to pursue it here, provided a similar ma- 
terial can be obtained. 

The Prison in New-TTampshire is not, as we had been informed 
and had supposed, lo.cated on a quarry. 

The Stone which are wrought there, (a fine and beautiful granite,) 
are transported on waggons a distance of from two to four miles, and 
are purchased as delivered at the Prison Yard, at prices which are 
considered as little more than equal to the expence of getting out and 
transportation. 

The Stone wrought at the Massachusetts Prison, are very similar 
to thos.eabove described, and are procured a part from Chelmsford, 
but now principally from Hallowell and Augusta, where they arepur- 
.chased at on^ cent the cubic foot, and are quarried and transported 



14 

at the expence of the Prison. These stone in their finished state are 
sold in Boston, where there is as yet, a steady demand. 

The price of common stone is about 58 cents per foot superficial 
measure ; wall stone 95 cents per foot superficial measure. When 
very large stone of a peculiar form are wanted, the price is from two 
to four dollars per foot, same measure. 

No part of the labor bestowed on the stone previous to their deliv- 
ery at the prison, is performed by the prisoners. The business of 
quarrjiing is supposed by the officers of the prisons which we have 
visited, to be improper for the employment of convicts. A days work 
for a prisoner consists in hammering or cutting two superficial feet. 
As a material for building, these stone are probably not surpassed in 
beauty and durability by any other in the world. Still a building 
erected with them becomes so extremely expensive that we should 
doubt whether at the present prices a steady and constant demand 
could be relied on. It is probable that Boston will be the only place 
where they can be extensively sold ; and it is worthy of consideration, 
whether, if we had the material, we could compete with these other 
institutions which are so advantageously located in reference to that 
city. N. York, it must be remembered, is in the vicinity of marble quar- 
ries, and it is the design that the convicts at Sing Sing, on the North 
River, shall work this material for the use of the city. Still the com- 
mittee have thought it their duty to examine various locations, where 
it was supposed the convicts might be placed at the working of stone. 
We have with reference to this business examined various places in 
Middletow/i, Haddam, Haddam Neck, Chatham and Saybrook. The 
quarries at Chatham we visited soon after our appointment, and 
urged the proprietors to fix a price at which the state might have a 
situation. We however at once discovered that they held them at 
a rate wholly above any sum that the state would probably consent 
to pay — and that they were indisposed to part with them. VV'e have 
received no proposition from them, nor do we expect any. We have 
examined two quarries in the town of Middletown, both like those at 
Chatham, consisting of Sand Stone. The first of these, which is a- 
bout 3 miles north west from the city, and a mile and a half from the 
River, appeared to have been but slightly opened. We had expect- 
ed that efforts would have been made by the proprietors to have as- 
certained fully the quality of these Stone — but we have recently un- 
derstood that the project was abandoned by the gentlemen who had 
interested themselves in the subject. The other quarry is in the vil- 
lage of Upper Houses, about 5-8ths of a mile from the river. It has 
been discovered within these few weeks, and is but partially opened — 
it is supposed by the proprietor however, from certain indications, to 
be extensive. The stone taken from this place have not as yet been 
hewn. In their general appearance they resemble the Chatham 
stone, and look well ; but whether the extent and quality of this bed of 
stone are yet sufficiently ascertained to warrant the state in erecting 
buildings upon it, at this distance from the river, is a question for the 
decision of the Legislature. The price ef this property and two ad- 



15 

joining pieces, the whole about 6 3-4 acres, with the buildings, is fixeu 
at ^6,300. The offers and plan are annexed, marked (E.) 

The committee would here subjoin a single remark respecting these 
quarries of Sand Stone. It has been represented to us, by 
those acquainted with the business, that this species of stone is too 
soft and brittle and tender a substance to bear transportation after it 
is hewn and finished, particularly if in large masses — that the cor- 
ners and edges are easily injured, and the value reduced. All that 
prisoners could therefore do, would be to quarry them and partially 
hew them — but we require a stone which they can hew and finish. 
Quarrying these stone is represented to us as a very difficult matter, 
requiring a care, skill and faithfulness, which could not be expected 
from prisoners. 

The quarries at Iladdam, Haddam Neck and Saybrook, have in 
many respects a common character — they are of a species of granite 
or gneiss — and so far as they have been opened, they have been 
"wrought principally into flagging and curb stone. The business seems 
not to have been prosecuted for any long period, and perhaps is not 
fully developed. — We understand however, that those who have enga- 
ged in it have hitherto received a lair compensation for their exertions. 
As a great number of these granite quariies have been offered, the 
committee cannot give a minute and distinct account of each. The 
propositions made by the respective owners in writing, are subjoined, 
marked (F.) Nos. 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, and contain a description of the 
property with the price. It will be sufficient to remark, that they are 
generally between a half mile, and a mile and a half from the river, 
and the prices, it will be perceived, vary from five to thirty thousanci 
dollars. The business of cutting or hammering stone for the walls 
of buildings seems not to have been pursued, and we doubt whether 
there are at either of these places any such stone as are wrought at 
the other prisons, or which would enable us to compete with them in 
the Boston market. 

A specimen of the New-Hampshire granite was brought on from 
Concord, and has been exhibited to gentlemen residing in the vicinity 
of these quarries, as well as in various other parts of the state, and 
they have expressed the opinion that we should not be able to find any 
thing which either in color or grain would resemble it. We believe 
therefore,%th^t having reference to the quality of the material, we can- 
not pursue the business of hammering granite as advantageously as 
it is prosecuted in other prisons. The only business then, which can 
be pursued at these locations, must be the quarrying and getting out 
curb and flagging stone. It has appeared to us that this business 
would yield a fair profit, if it was adapted to the employment of con- 
victs. The stone are of a fair quality, and after the liherating and 
quarrying are accomplished, the trimming or fitting them for market 
is not expensive. We have however, already intimated, that quarry- 
ing was not a good employment for prisoners. In the first place, it 
will be necessary to locate the prison on the quarry — we are then ex- 
posed to the risk that the materials may fail. We must therefore, 
to guard against this, inclose a great extent of ground. This will 
necessarily increase the number of guard and overseers. The busi- 



' 16 

Mess requires great judjrinent and skill — it also leqiiirts tlie combined 
slrength and united exertions of liic convicts, and will thus bring them 
in contact — they niust converse on the business and contrive the mode 
ol" accomplishing it, and this will h-ad to other conversation. But it 
is of the very essence of tlie system that the convict should observe 
perpetual silence, 'i hey could not he put to a daily task capable of 
being ascertained. The yard will be filled with rubbish, earth, 
loose stone and tools, and there must be a constant ingress and egress 
of teams to transport the stone, and it would be difficult to prevent 
escapes. 

The idea lias been suggested to us that if the prison was erected 
in the vicinity of these (juarries, that the owners might bring thither 
their curb and flagging stone, to be dressed out and fitted for mar- 
ket ; but this is a trilling part of the operation. One man w ill Ht a 
hundred feet for market in a day; of course, supposing one hun- 
dred men employed at this business, they will hew and dress for 
market in a year, 3,120,000 feet ; a quantity which could neither 
he furnished c)r sold ; and if they could, the yard would be a mere 
thoroughfare for teams and their drivers — as the quantity to be trans- 
ported per day would ecjual 10,000 feet. It is stated to us that the 
expense for tools, in the stone business, is about .^42 per year to 
each man. 

We have presented this subject more fully than we should have 
done, had not the public eye been turned upon this business, as the 
best employment for prisoners. Should the Legislature wish more 
minute details respecting either of the locations which we have visi- 
ted, or tlie business there pursued, they will be readily furnished by 
the committee. 

We have also turned our attention to the details of various other 
kinds of bushiess, particularly shoe-making, brick-making, and 
coopering. 

From an examination of the sho]> book in the shoe department, at 
New-Gate Prison, it appears that during the week ending Oct. 29, 
lS25,the week previous to our last examination, that 24 persons 
in tliis department earned ^'4 1 47- 

Taking this amount as a fair yearly average, (and we know of 
no objection to it,) this number of persons will earn, during the 
year, '$'2,312 44, or .^-yf) 35 per man. _ _ 

From a similar exaiiiiiiation of tlie Cooper's shop, it ai:(f)ears that 
during the same week, 10 persons in that department earned ,*fi'25 70. 
This will give as the earnings of each man per year ^^133 O'j. 

The objection to the businc^ss of shoe making is found in the 
fact, thai the value of the manufactared article consists principally 
in the price of th<? stock. The value of articles manufactured by the 
co<*per, consists in nearly equal proportions of stock and labour. — 
These are both good trades, which will be useful to the men after 
they shall have been discharged. 

We have endeavored to obtain accurate information respecting the 
business of brick making, more particularly since we have had offer- 
ed to us a location adapted to such an employment of the men. We 
have made enquiries of persons experienced in the business, residing 



17 

iin the towns of Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield. We have 
found great uniformity in the opinions expressed by tiiem, making 
tlie proper allowance for diversity of situation. From this testimony 
we may assume the following statement as exhibiting the proper de- 
tails of that business — viz. 

One man will \n a season make of brick 100,000, which are worth 
at the river bank at least .C4 per M. 

One cord of wood, which is worth from ^3 50 to .$4, will burn 
4,000 bri( k. 

One yoke of oxen will bo sufficient, if th.e materials are on the 
ground, to prepare, and with a proper machine fit the cJoy for ten men, 
supposing them to do nothing at carting brick. 

The results will then stand thus : — Fifty common men will make 
of brick, each 100,000 during the season — equal to 5,000,000, which 
at the river bank are worth ^20,000. But from this estimate we will 
deduct one half on account of unforeseen expenses and the different 
character of the men The statement, with this deduction, would 
then stand thus: — 

Fifty prisoners will make 2,300,000 brick, which are worth, at ^4 
per M. .$10,000 

Deduct wood, at $1 per M. $2,500 

'• loss on 5 yoke of oxen, at ^10, 50 

'• keeping same 30 weeks at ,^"1 150 

2,roo 

Leaving as the income after all deductions, .'^7,300 

But it is said that a portion of these men may be advanta- 
geously employed in digging and piling up the clay during the resi- 
due of the year — that clay thus exposed to the action of the frost and 
the influence of the atmosphere, is more easily wrought, and makes 
a better and more durable article, which is worth more in market. It 
is also stated to us by some of these gentlemen, that the income may 
be greatly increased by furnishing the yard with some cheap machine 
for making pressed brick, which are now worth at least ^'14 per j\l, 
in New York, and that the labour and the risk of the business may 
be diminished, and thus the income increased b}- furnishing awnings 
or coverings of some cheap material, which may at night and during 
storms be thrown over the yard, and easily removed in fair weather. 
We have also reason to believe from these statements that this is a 
business in some part of the details of which, all may be employed, as 
well those who have no faculty to learn, as the old, the imbecile, and 
the intractable — and that daily tasks may be set and ascertained. 
It is a fact, that at our prison there are about thirty prisoners who are 
called loose hands, who have no capacity to learn, and who are un- 
qualilied for any labor now performed at the prison. These men 
are placed at no regular employment, and are a heavy burthen on the 
institution. JMen of this class, it has been supposed, might with a 
few others of better faculties, be beneficially placed at the business of 
brick making. It is also stated that for this article there is always 
a brisk and active demand at fair prices. In New York the pasL 
3 



18 

season, brick from Connecticut river have sold readily at from ejg!it 
to nine dollars per M, The freight varies fiom $1 50 to $2 per M, 
to New York. 

A place in the town of Wethersfield, belonging to the estate of the 
late Justus Uiley, deceased, and bordering on the waters of Connect- 
icut River, has been offered to us as furnishing a full supply of the 
clay and sand necessary for brick making. This property consists 
of about eight acres of land, with a house, and is bounded on the 
cove connecting with the river on the east and north east, and 
adjoins the great public road on the vvest, and is about two and a half 
miles from the city of Hartford. The price is one thousand dollars. 
A plan of this property is subjoined, together with a written offer 
and statement prepared by sundry persons residing in the im 
mediate vicinity, and shewing what they consider the peculiar ad- 
vantages of this location. — These documents are marked {G.') Nos. 
1, 2. It is stated that if more land is wanted, it may be obtained 
directly south, at a fair price ; and if more clay shall be required than 
is found on the premises, it may be obtained in any quantities from 
the adjoining property — that this clay and sand are of the best qual- 
ity, and have been long used for the making of brick. That the in- 
stitution may be erected within forty feet of the channel of the cove, 
which is here at least 25 feet deep, and that several valuable springs 
in the adjoining lot may be conducted inio t!ie prison, and that the 
cove itself will furnish a never failing supply of pure and wholesome 
water — and further, that this location is nearer to every county town 
in the State than the present scite of the prison. To this statement 
however, we beg leave to refer, if further information respecting this 
location shall be desired. 

Should the legislature decide to select this or any other place with 
reference to brick making, we think it would be best also to carry on 
the trades of coopering and shoe making to some extent 

Supposing the number of prisoners to be one hundred, which is 
about our present number, if distributed to the following employ- 
ments, their earnings to the prison, may, after making the proper 
deductions for stock and expenses, (except the expense of the guard 
and subsistence) be estimated as follows, for a year. 

Fifty persons at Brick making will earn, - ^"7,300 00 

Twenty-four do. Shoe, do. - 2,312 00 

Twenty do. Coopers, do. - 2,679 00 

Six waiters, cooks, and those too infirm to labor, 

$12,291 00 
We have no doubt that these estimates are sufficiently low. From 
all the information we have obtained, we are satisfied the earnings 
will exceed this sum. 

We have now endeavored to present the various facts in relation 
to the several locations which have been offered to us, and also in 
relation to the several kinds of business proposed to be pursued, as 
we have understood them to exist. It will remain with the legis- 
lature to select. Whatever may be the location of the prison, and 
whatever other employments may be selected, we recommend the 



19 

discontinuance of the white and black smith's business — also of the 
business of cabinet, machine, and waggon making, 

The tools are numerous and expensive — the convicts cannot be 
placed at a daily task capable of being txartly ascertained, and they 
render the details and the accounts of the prison complicated and 
multiform. As it respects the smiths business, except so much as 
may be necessary for the use of the prison, it is of all others, most 
imprtiper for such a place. By it may be made instruments of escape; 
and keys and implements for breaking buildings may be easily fur- 
nished to convicts who are leaving the institution. The business of 
nailing has always been unprofitable, and as we apprehend is still so. 

The plan of buildings which we have selected, as on the whole 
most eligible, is annexed, (maiked II.) We cannot, however, in a 
report, make any intelligible explanation of this plan, without a con- 
stant recurrence to it. Should any person wish a more minute de- 
scription, it will be readily furnished by either of the committee. 

We observe generally, it is on the plan of the Auburn prison — in 
which one sentinel is found sufficient to cut off communication be- 
tween four hundred prisoners at night. We propose to enclose within 
the prison yard an area of 214 by 200 feet — the yard wall to be 15 feet 
high. Un the top of this wall and near the inner edge to be placed 
a rolling cylinder fitted with pointed spikes, and to be connected by a 
wire with a bell — the whole so arranged that if any person attempts 
to pass over, it will turn, and throw him back into the yard, and will 
also by the bell give notice of the attempt. This contrivance will, 
as we think, make it unnecessary to erect a wall higher than 15 feet. 

The external walls of the prison building to be 3 feet thick, and 
thirty feet high, with a slate roof. Within this building and 11 feet 
from its walls, is the block of cells — to be four stories high, with two 
tiers of cells in each story adjoining upon a centre wall — the walls of 
this block of cells to be 2 feet in thickness, except the cross partition 
walls, which are to be one foot. Each cell to be 3 1-2 feet wide, 7 
feet long, and 7 feet high. The doors to be of double oak plank rivi- 
ted together, and when finished, to be three inches thick, and hung on 
the inner edge of the wall. Each door to have in its top a grated 
opening of eighteen by fourteen inches, for the admission of air, heat 
and light ; the air to pass into an opening in the centre wall, and thus 
through the roof. In this manner the most perfect ventilation is se- 
cured. The air is freely admitted throuuh the numerous grated win- 
dows in the external wall, which are 6 feet by 4, into the area between 
^this wall and the cells, and running round the block of cells — and 
which is eleven feet wide; and fiom tiiis area into the cells through 
the grated opening in the door ; and from the cells it passes off in a 
rapid current through the opening in the centre wall. This area is to 
be lighted during the night by eight lamps, and warmed by an appa- 
ratus to be fixed in the guard room, as the retreat at Hartford is now 
warmed. We have not proposed to erect at present more than 136 
cells, that is 34 cells in each story ; the cells of the upper stories to 
be approached by a narrow gallery of 2 1-2 feet wide running in front. 
It will be observed that the number of cells may be increased to 176 
without any violation of the original plan, by merely adding to the 



20 

block an erection ol' live ceils in length, wiiicli will make iorfy in ad- 
dition. In tlie mean lime, until this additional erection is made, this 
vacant area can be used as a chapel. Adjoining this area, and under 
the same roof, is the house lor the residence of the officers and guard, 
to be three stories high, and on the ground 49 by 5^0 feet. The 
guard room and olfices are so situated that the prisoners are undei' 
the constant inspection of their keepers by night and day. The 
range of shops to extend from the warden's office parallel to the walls, 
and distant therefrom ten feel. These shops and the offices connec- 
ted with them, are to be low and cheap buildings, which may bo easi- 
ly altered as the exigcucies of the prison may require, and which 
will also retain the features of the original design. We propose to 
erect the walls of brick, one story, or seven feet high, by one foot 
thick, without a ceiling, and open to the roof. By this arrangement 
all danger from lire will be avoided — and the building may be lighted 
and ventilated either through the roof or sides. Connected with 
this range of offices is to be a passage for the admission of specta- 
tors, from which they may see the prisoners witiiout being seen by 
them. We thus avoid that constant cause of complaint and embar- 
rassment, the mingling of spectators with prisoner's. For further de- 
tails we must refer to the plan itself — it will be apparent from an in- 
spection, that there is no part of the yard in which a prisoner is not sub- 
ject to the actual observation of tlie guard. We have procured esti- 
mates of the expense ol erecting, according to this plan, to be nrade 
out by an experienced architect. His report, (marked I.) is annexed. 
According to this cstimale the whole exjjense is fixed at ."5':!.'>,170 92. 

We are satisfied that this estimate, as it respects ihe prices of stone 
and brick work, is somewhat too high — and the whole computation 
is founded, as it should be, on what it would cost to purchase all the, 
materials and get the work done by contract. But it is very appar- 
ent that much of this labour may be p(^i formed by tiie convicts. In 
the erection of the new prison at ijing Sing, liie laboirr has been prin- 
cipally performed by them, and, as we are informed, it is expected 
that this whole institution, which is to accommodate 800 prisonei-s, 
will cost the State birt about $70,000. By pursuing the course which 
has been adopted there, the prisoners might do much of tire labonr 
in the construction of the walls. If a location adapted to the brick 
business is selected, they might make the brick. On the single item 
of ir-on grating,which is estinrated at l6,128 lbs. at 9d. \>or poimd, and 
is carried out at $201 G, it is obvious there n)ay be a saving of nearly 
one half by having the work done at the present prison. Indeed, 
nearly all the iron work for the institution may be done there. All 
the window sashes may be made there — all the plank doors, and 
nearly all the nails may be easily furnished. 

Taking this estimate as a guide, and taking into consideration these 
important deductions, we believe that an appropriation of less than 
.^25,000, will cover all the expenses of constructing a new prison, if 
a location is selected on the borders of Connecticut river. If another 
location is chosen, the expense will of course vary as the transpor- 
tation is increased or diminished. 

If the business of brick making should be pursued, our plan would 



21 

be ihat it should be carried on outside the prison walls, in a biirk 
yard adjoining; this yard niigiit lor tlie piesent be surrounded by a 
plank lence, twelve leet Irgb, like the one now in use at the Retreat, 
and which has been lound sullitient — on tlie top ol this feme to be 
placed the turning cylinder, connected wilh the bell, in the manner 
above described, it it was deemed expedient to remove this ulti- 
mately, the convicts might erect a new one of refuse brick, without 
expense to the J>tate. 

As it lespects the government of the piison, various systems 
have been suggested to us, none of which are wholly free from ob- 
jections, 'ihere is prubaiily no part ol the subject in which there is 
more of intrinsic dilhcuiiy man this : — \\ lio shiill interpose between 
the keejjer aiid iiis pribouer r if these friendless men aie subjected to 
severe and brutal ireatuient, wliu shall interfere to arrest the arm of 
violence ? fehall it be a board of visitors, acting as a committee of 
humanity? 'Ihis board would be frecjueiilly imposed upon by the 
statements of prisoners — and migiit subject Uie keeper to a course of 
espionage w Inch would embarra.-s liim Mill there are certain facts 
which have led us to doubt whether this <,'xpeaieiit must not ultimate- 
ly be resorted to. The [)unis!)ment of these men, however criminal 
they may be, is measured by law, and they must be made to submit 
to a regular and [)rescribeci discipline; but their punishment is not to 
be extended and rendeied intolerable at the wdl and pleasure of 
any man. j4t this time, however, we aie on the whole, of opinion, 
we had better retain our present form ot prison government, with 
some impoitant modifications. 

Wc recommend that a board of three directors be constituted, 
who shall have power to appoint and displace the warden — to es- 
tablish by-laws for the government of the prison — to approve or re- 
ject, in writing", the course of employment selected by the warden — 
that it be made the duty of the membeis of this board, to attend by 
one of their members, and in rotation, weekly or once in each week, 
at the prison, to audit the accounts of the preceding week ; and to 
examine the state of the prison and the condition of the prisoners. 
That it be made the duty of the whole board to meet at the prison 
once in three months, and audit the accounts of the past quarter, and 
see that the same are correctly kept and balanced. 

The warden shall have the entire control of the prison, subject to 
the by-laws, and shall be responsible for the manner in which it is 
conducted. It shall be his dut}' to obey the written orders of the di- 
rectors. He may select his deputy wai den and guard, and unless the 
directors shall appoint a factor, shall act as the general agent of the 
prison as to purchases and sales, and shall conduct the business on 
cash estimates, and not in the form of barter, and shall see that the ac- 
counts are accurately and systematically kept by double entry. We 
believe that five guard or watchmen will be sufficient, exclusive of the 
overseers of shops. 

It will be necessar} that there be an overseer of each department of 
business carried on. Each overseer should keep a distinct account of 
the business and expenses of his department. 

Jn this system of goveroment, the responsibility will be left where 



22 

It should be, on a single individual, the warden, who will have the ap- 
pointment and control of all who are under him. 

Tlie directors, alter having perfected their system, will have little 
to do but to see that their regulations are observed — to settle the 
prison accounts, and to examine personally, into the condition and 
treatment of the prisoners. Uy attending weekly, and in rotation, 
each one becomes acquainted with the details of the institution, and 
every abuse or irregularity, will be promptly discovered and reform- 
ed. Under this system, we avoid the absurdity of making one of the 
board an acting manager of tiie prison, while the other two mem- 
bers have nothing to do but to sit with him in auditing his own ac- 
counts. 

Tlie annual expenses of an institution organized on these princi- 
ples, can be estimated with great precision. I'rom a comparative 
view of the expenses of various other prisons, we believe that while 
provisions are at their present prices, the following estimate will be 
found sufficiently correct. We suppose the olTicers and guard to 
consist often persons, which will be as strong a force as is found in 
any other prison, with the same nuniber of prisoners, viz. — 1 war- 
den, 1 deputy waiden, 5 guard, and 3 overseers of shops. Their 
pay, which is; to be in full of wages, rations, clothing, and perquisites, 
will ^tand thus, viz. — 

One warden, .... ^800 

One deputy warden, ... 400 

Five guard at .^-!50 each, - - 1,250 

Three overseers of shops at .^325 each, - 975 

Three directors at $100 each, - - 300 

Chaplain and physician at .^100 each, - 200 



5,925 

Food, clothing, and bedding of 100 men at $22 each 2,200 

Hospital department, - - - - 75 

Oil. &c. - - ... 100 

Fuel, .... 200 

Contingencies, - - - 100 



Total annual expense, - - $6,600 

The sum allowed above for the support of each prisoner is 
$2 48 more than has been required at New Hampshire lor the last 
four years — the expense at that institution being $19 52 per man. 

The document marked (K) will shew the income and expenditures 
of that Institution, and is an excellent example of keeping prison 
accounts. 

The expense of fuel we have estimated at something more than is 
now required at New-Ciate prist)n, and the compensation to officers 
and guard is much higlier than we have been accustomed to pay. 

The best men are required at such an institution, and they ought 
to be induced to remain permanently by a liberal compensation. 
We would respectfully suggest whether it would not be better that 
the expenses of this institution should be defrayed from an appropri- 
ation specifically made by the legislature, and founded on estimates 
for the current year, and that the sum to be drawn from the treasury 



should not exceed the appropriation. In this way the subject is 
broutilit directly under the notice of the Legislature, and they can 
decide as to the propriety of the proposed expenditures before they 
are made. 

As it respects the discipline of the prison, this must be regulated, 
princi[)ally, by the by-laws ; there may, however, be certain cardinal 
points which the Legislature should settle. If this system is adop- 
ted, it is apparent that the great object is to secure the entire seclu- 
sion of the convict by night, and to enlbrce the most perfect silence 
by day — to leave him to the bitterness of his own reflections — to fill 
his mind with propc" instruction — and to return him to society a bet- 
ter man, — certainly not a worse — The mode by which this is to be 
accomplished, we need not detail. 

As to the punishment of the convicts, we doubt whether whipping 
and beating them for ordinary offences, and which do not threaten 
the safety of the Prison, is on the whole a very useful or proper mode. 
We believe it would be much better to confine them in solitude and 
darkness in the cells, until they will submit and reform — with the di- 
rection, that the time they are thus confined for misconduct in the 
Prison shall be lost, and shall not be counted or estimated as a part 
of their sentence. This expedient has been found to succeed when 
every other failed. — As a further means of punishment, it is probably 
be«t to retain the Tread Mill. The state have already incurred con- 
siderable expence for this machine, and it may be easily removed 
should the present location be abandoned ; but its use will require to 
be strictly limited and defined. We doubt whelhtr it has been used 
with entire discretion. 

We have now, with as much brevity as the subject would allowj 
adverted to the various particulars embraced in this resolution. 

Before closing the Report, we ask the attention of the Legislature 
for a moment, to a compai ative view of the present and proposed sys- 
tems, as it respects economy, security and reformation. 

There is probably no point, in which the contrast is more striking 
than that of expense. Under our present system there has alwavs 
been an annual deficit which has been paid from the public treasury. 
This deficit has, for the last fifteen years, averaged nearly .^'8,000 
(7j910 48) per annum ; and as we have already stated, was the last 
year, ^'6,301 08. Under the system proposed, if our estimates 
can be relied on, so far from calling on the Treasury, to pay its an- 
nual expenditures, the institution will yield, over and above its ex- 
penses, an annual income to the State, of ^5,G91 ; which sum being 
added to the average deficit, will make a difference to the State, be- 
tween the two systems, of ^M 3,601 48 per annum. This sum will, 
in two years defray the estimated expense of erecting tiie buildings 
for the new institution — and even if the prison should only support 
itself, and no income should be derived from it, the sums saved to 
the State in four years would be more than §'30,000, and more than 
sufficient to reimburse the monies expended in the improvement. We 
are aware it may be said that this looks well on paper, and that paper 
calculations are easily made ; but it should be remembered that the esti- 
mates furnished as to annual expeube and income are founded wholly on 



24 

facts of constant occurrence in otlipr prisons, or our own ; or on the 
examinations ol' n>en acquainted with tiie business of which the) 
speak. 

The sum fixed for tlie annual expense of the institution is greater 
by more than .^2000 than the annual expenditure of the New Hamp- 
shire [irison, for the last four years. If there be a fallacy in the casje, 
it has hitherto escaped us, although we have contemplated the sub- 
ject under a great variety of aspects. If the prisons of other States 
can be thus advantageously managed, we have yet to learn the rea- 
son why it cannot be done in Connecticut. 

Cut it is not merely as a beneficial pecuniary arrangement that this 
subject siiould be regarded. 

The improvement contemplated is one of a high moral character, 
bearing our testimony to the great communities around us, that we 
are not unaffected spectators of their exertions in this great cause: 
and that we will join them in their eflorts to reclaim, and restore this 
criminal, but neglected portion of the human family. 

It is an improvement operating directly on the habits, the princi- 
ples, the associations, and the feelings of the prisoner, — cutting him 
off from the sources of contamination — withdrawing him from the 
desperate and profligate offenders by whom he is surrounded, and pla- 
cing him beyond their examples and their precepts. 

Let the mind follow the young convict for a moment as he leaves 
the bar of the court where he has received his sentence, — as he leaves 
the County prison, — and as he is ushered into our New Gate as it now 
exists. Perliaps he is of respectable parentage, and of decent or 
refined education. What must be the agony and suffering of that, 
moment, when he feels that all the ties which have connected him 
with respectable society are severed forever ; and that he is to be 
conjoined with an association of felons, whose very touch he as yet 
regards as pollution Broken spirited, and subdued by the afflictive 
circumstances of his condition, he is placed with thiity others in the 
cells — such cells as we have described. Here then, if never before, 
the truth must be forced upon him, that he has lost the comforts of his 
life, as well as his liberty, his character, his friends, and his home. 
What shall supply this loss of all that is valuable in possession, and 
cheering in prospect. No doubt among his room-mates, some will 
undertake to alleviate and console, but it is by the ministration of a 
moral poison. How has society, with a reckless and lavish hand, 
thrown from it this opportunity, so invaluable, to excite in the breast 
of the convict, a deep abhorrence of his crime, his companions, his 
habits, and his life; how have we without consideration, and with- 
out solicitude, placed him in this great seminary of crimes, where he 
is taught all the arts, and secrets, and expedients of the villain's 
profession, — made familiar with unnatural and odious vices ; and fit- 
ted and prepared for his distinct and allotted vocation of plundering 
and annoying society. 

In this new association, of which he forms a part, he partakes 
largely of the instructions of the place; he feels a new interest to 
seize upon him, new feelings are aroused, new motives implanted, 
and new relations formed. Insensibility succeeds regret; character 



25 

and friends, and future prospects, and brighter hopes, are relinquisli>. 
ed ; and he yields himself to what he considers the necessity of his 
condition, and settles down into a contented, but desperate villain. 

Can that system be right which leads to such results ? and can 
that be wrong which arrests this prolligatc in his career, and places 
hin> in solitude and silence ? which, if it cannot restore, it will not 
corrupt. By the system now proposed, if he is not made a fit com- 
panion for the goi)d, he is at least restrained from an association with 
the vile. Every fact which has been disclosed to us during a long 
and painful inquiry, every opinion which has been expressed, all the 
considerations of economy, of interest, of character, of sal'ety and 
humanity, point directly to this great improvement, with a clearness 
which cannot be mistaken, and should not be disregarded. 
All which is respectfully submitted. 

By order, and in behalf of the committee. 

M, WELLES. 

N^to-Haven, May 10, T826- 



DOCUMENTS 

ACCOMPANYING THE REPORT. 



(A.) 
Extract of a letter from Judge Cotton, dated JVindsdr, Vi. JVbv. 10, 1825. 

"Tiic Superintendant is the only accountable oflieer and sole manager 
of the finances, regulates all prices on articles for sale — makes all the 
purchases for manufacture and every other expense, and pays all bills 
and demands against the Institution. He opens an account with the 
Warden of the prison for every thing furnisheil the prison, and it is the 
duty of the Warden to credit the same, and also to make an entry of all 
property taken by the Superintendant from the prison, and those ac- 
counts are examined monthly by the Superintendant and Warden.— The 
Books of the Superintendant, which show the situation of the finances, 
manufactures, and all prison expenditures, are examined and audited by 
the State's Treasurer on the 1st of October annuallj, and it is the duty 
of the Superintendant to lay before the Legislature of the State on the 
first week of their session, an inventory of all property and demands, 
together with his account current, and a report of the situation of the 
prison in all its concerns. The manner of keeping the Books is in the 
double entry foim, and consequently you will perceive that in opening 
an account with several Departments, we find what Department is more 
expensive and profitable than the other. 

1 would suggest one thing more, as 1 have understood that your State 
contemplated building a prison ; and that is, the propriety of so making 
and constructing your cells, that your convicts may be kept in solitary 
confinement during the night. If they could be kept apart during the 
night, very great benefits and blessings would arise from it. It would 
have a great tendency to promote subordination during the time they are 
at labour. We can have but a little idea of the vast catalogue of crimes 
which are gendered, and matured, and put into operation by these vil- 
lains, when from 4 to 10 of them are allowed to lodge together in one a- 
partment. JOHN H. COTTON, 

Superintendant Fermo7it State Prison." 

( B. ) 

A Survey of New-Gate Prison. 

(C.) 
New-Gate Prison, March 17, 182C, 

f hereby certify, that a great dearth of water exists at this prison — That 
every year, during the dry season, it is necessary to transport more or 
less water for the various purposes of the Institution from the distance of 
a mile — That in the year 1823, when erecting the building for the Tread 
Mill, he. it is estimated, that, in about three months, from seven to 
eighi hundred barrels were thus transported — That during the past year, 
a great proportion of the water used from August to December was ob- 
tained from the same source. 

It will therefore be perceived that in case of a fire of any magnitude;, 
almost certain destruction would await the establishment. 



27 



This difficulty can only l»e obviated by the sinking of welh from sev- 
enty to eighty feet, through solid rocU, or by the construction of large 
cisterns, calculated to receive the water falling in rain. Whether this 
would not become stagnant and unhealthy by long standing, I am unable 
to determine. E. TULLER, 

Keeper of JVtiv- Cute Prison. 
(D) 
STATSSn^Sl^T of the annual amount of Orders drawn upon the 

Treasurer in favour of the Overseers of New Gate Prison, from July 17, 

1790, to March 31, 1826. 



Jim»unt of Orders. 



Bate. 



Amount of Orders. 







Amount brought u 


p, 73,137 


70 


4,082 


27 


April 13, 1810, 


- 7.929 


57 


1,551 


82 


April 18, 1811, 


- 4,986 


85 


1,742 


94 


April 17, 1812, 


- 6,155 


99 


1,820 


00 


June 23, 1813, 


- 6,157 


55 


2,857 


34 


April 30, 1814, 


- 4,791 


52 


1,553 


34 


April 18, 1815, 


- 7,244 


70 


2,733 


34 


April 13, 1816, 


- 9,673 


55 


3,748 


59 


April 24, 1817, 


- 12,679 


51 


4,263 


07 


April 10, 1818, 


- 12,494 


27 


2,957 


96 


April 10, 1819, 


- 11,403 


73 


4,327 


00 


March 30, 1820, 


- - 9,704 


11 


1,310 


50 


March 31, 1821, 


- - 6,000 


00 


6,070 


81 


March 30, 1822, 


- - 5,263 


65 


4.372 


00 


March 31, 1823, 


- - 5,500 


00 


6,056 


75 


March 31, 1824, 


. . 8,002 


80 


8,634 


50 


March 31, 1825. 


- - 7,284 


90 


3,636 


63 


March 31, 1826, 


- . 6,301 


08 


5,530 
5888 


00 
84 








Total amount, 


$204,711 


3» 



Date. 
July 17, 1790, to 
May 17, 1791, 
March, 31, 1792, 
Jan. 16, 1793, 
Jan. 21, 1794, 
December 12, do. 
January 7, 1796, 
January 13, 1797, - 
January 26, 1798, - 
March 30, 1799, 
January 25, 1800, - 
January 14, 1801, - 
January 22, 1802, - 
March 24, 1803, 
February 2, 1804, - 
March 29, 1805, 
February 20, 1806, . 
April 9,'l807, 
April 7, 1808, 
April 15, 1809, 

Amount carried up, 75,1S7 70 
Comptroller'' s Office, April 12, 1826. 

JAMES THOMAS, Comptroller. 

(E.) 

This may certify, that if the State of Connecticut wish to purchase 
my Quarry in Middletown, U. Houses, for the purpose of locating the 
State Prison there, I will sell it with about five acres of land, with the 
buildings thereon standing as described on the map, for the sum of four 
thousand dollars. JOHN S. TOWNER. 

Middletown, U. Houses, April tbth, 1826. 

In case the State of Connecticut should want my dwelling-house and 
about a half an acre of land, adjoining the land of Mr. John 8. Town- 
er's, where the quarry is opened, in Middletown, U. Houses, I will sell it 
to them for eight hundred dollars. — See situation on map. 

SETH BELDEN. 

Middletown, U. Houses, April 2.M, 1326. 

In case the State of Connecticut should want my lot of land at the 
Upper Houses, containing about two or two and a half acres, with a 
dweHing-hotis3 and barn standing thereon, and adjoining to Mr. John S, 
Towner's land, for »he purpose of the State Prison — I will sell it to them 
for sixteen hundred dollars. J. STOW. 

Middletown, April tbth, 1826. 

(A map accompanies the offers.) 



28 

Jsfoic—X similar offer lias been made of (ivc and half acres dire rlly west, 
l)y >lrs. Olive Savage, for the sum of glOOit.— This is not included in the 
estimate contained in the Report. We understood from Mr. Towner that 
there might be some little variation from the offers in the quantity of 
land, and that we should be safe in fixing it at the quantity we have na- 
ji^ed— there is, however, probably something more. It was also suppo- 
sed by him, that we might anticipate some trilling deduction fron) the 
prices, and that we were safe in fixing the sum as we have done. 

(F. No. 1.) 

Iladdam, Oct. 11, 1825. 
The subscribers will sell (o the Slate of Connecticut a part of their 
^and and quarry in Gi«'at Hill, as follows, viz. reserving lo ourselves a 
piece of land adjoining the land and quarry of Epaphs. Parmelee and 
others ; the line is to run from a chesnut tree by the Allyn vein easterly 
to a heap of stones near an oak tree, about ten rods ; thence easterly in 
a line parallel with the line of said Parmalee's land to the east side of the 
lot; from the said chesnut tree the line is to run westerly paralleJ with 
said Parraelee's line to the west side of the lot. The land and quarry on 
the south side of said line we reserve to ourselves; and the land and 
quarry northerly of said line, containing about eighteen acres, the State 
shall have for the sum of j52£,i)()0, or the State shall have the whole of 
our land and quarry on Great Hill, containing about 26 acres, for the sum 
of Sd2,000. 

SIMEON HAZLETON. 

SIDNEY S. HAZLETON. 

NATHANIEL COOK. 

Note. These gentlemen have since agreed to sell to the State the 
svhole quantity of 26 acres at }i26,OO0. They have also by another pro- 
position offered to sell for the sum of ^SOOO about 16 acres, but which 
does not inclose the stone supposed to be the most valuable. 

( F. No. 2. ) 

The subscriber will sell to the State of Connecticut, her land and 
quarry on Great Hill, in Haddam, containing ten acres of land, about 
four acres and twenty-six rods of which is covered with stone of a supe- 
rior kind for market. The distance from the river is somewhat less tha» 
three quarters of a mile, and all the way level or descending ground. 
Teams usually go seven loads in a day, and have been known lo go nine 
or ten loads in a day. There is a spring of water on the premises, 
which lasts more than half the year generally. About fortj' or fifty 
rods from the quarry is a lasting spring of superior water, which may 
with little expenee, by the help of a brook contiguous to llie spring, be 
raised to any part of the quarry. The land adjoins a public road, on 
which the stone 's usually carted to the river. There is also a right of 
Vay and a whaif in company with other proprietors appurtenant to the 
quarrj-. 

The State shall have the above described land and quarry for the sum 
of twenty thousand dollars, and the right of way and wharf at a reason- 
able piice, the same being the one fourth part. 

GEORGE S. BRAINERD, for 
LUCY BRAINERD. 

Nov. 2, 1825. 



29 

( F. No. 3. ) 
The subscribers will sell to the State of Connecticut a piece of land 
and the (jiiarry thereon, on the east side of Connetficut river, in Had- 
d^m, bounded as follows, viz: The quarry heginnins; at the bottom of 
the hill nearest to !;roinid suitable to enclose for the prison, and extends 
North and South Iwenty-Civf rods or more, and extends East far enough 
to comprehend two and a half or three acres. The ascent of the hill 
Eastward is steep. The hill is full of stone, the quantity huge 
and vast, and baffles and defeats al! computation. The stiiue are 
of various kinds ; s'ljtable for steps, hearths, curb stone and flag stone ; 
but the great body of the stone are suitable for hewing, for building of 
houses, md underpinning of them. And the price of the above described 
quarry, or rather part of a quarry, we set at four thousand dollars. 

EZRA URAINARD, ? p. „ ... 

ANSEL BRAINARD, ^ ^^""-^'^ «^ '^'' *1"^^''-J'- 

Note. — This offer does not include the riglit of soil — the fee is offered at a fail- 
price, to be left to any one to name, and it is stated tiiat the land is so situated tiial 
ihe stone can be conveyed to tlie vrater by means of a rail way. 

{ F. No. 4. ) 

The subscribers will sell to the State of Connecticut, their quarry on 
the west side of Connecticut river, commonly called the Giilph quarry, 
containing about two and a half acres, be the same more or less. About 
an acre and a half of it is good stone, and may be woiked down to an 
indefinite extent. The quarry is one mile from navigable water, the 
road is a convenient one, water from a lasting spring may be conveyed 
into the quarry by aqueducts not exceeding eighty rods, n stream sufli- 
ciently large for mill seats comes within about thnty rods of the quarry. 

The State shall have the aforesaid lands and quarry for Twelve Thou- 
sand Dollars. 

If the aforesaid quarry should be insufficient in extent, the quarry be- 
longing to Charles Arnold, which adjoins this on the south, can be pur^ 
chased and annexed to it. WILLIAM ELY, 

THOMAS SHAILER. 

Haddam, Oct. 10, 1825. 

Note. The lanfl of Mr. Arnold is offered us as an appendage to the above at $3000 • 
Tt is said to contain three acres, one of which is stone. 

{ F. No. 5. ) 

Saybrook, January 13, 1826. 

To the Committee, ^-c. 

I have been informed that the Committee appointed by the Legisla- 
ture to contract for a new location of the State Prison, have Ufit decided 
on the place, and that they will receive proposals: — therefore I have ta- 
ken Mie liberty to inform you that I am in possession of a tract of land, 
containing about ten acres, which in my opinion may be cleared, and 
nearly the whole tract become a ledge of rocks, suitable for working as 
a quarrv. It is situated in the second society of Saybrook, bounded 
north on Middlesex Turnpike road, about 45 rods. Said land lies with- 
in 150 rods of Connecticut river and a good Landing. There are two 
places on the land which are now occupied as a quarry — my price will 
not exceed 5000 dollars; the terms of payment made to suit if purcha- 
sed. Also there are a number of (piarries in this neighborhood, which 
may be purchased. For a more particulardescription you will please in- 
quire of the bearer. Joseph F, Mather. - 

Yours respectfully, 

GEORGE READ 



30 

( F. No. 6. ) 

Satbrook, January 16, 1826. 
To the Committee, i^'c. 

Gentlemen : 

We offer and agree to convey to the State of Connecticut, for the 
consideration of the sum of ten thousand dollars, to he jiaid to us, one 
half hy the (irst day of 3fay, 1827, and the othii lialf by the first day of 
May, (828, the following real estate, situated in the seeonil society of the 
town of Saybrook, containing ahont forty acres, with a dwelling house 
thereon standing. To state more particularly, we say that said land is 
almost entirely a stone quarry — that this quarry has been wrought for 
several years, and found productive--that the stone are of the kind and 
quality of the Iladdam quarries — that the quantity is inexhaustible — that 
one end of the quarry which has been wrought is within ten rods of 
where tide water flows and re-flows, and where large scows now carry 
the stone from the quarry to Connecticut river — that the whole of said 
land is within one mile of said river — a canal might be made with 
little expense from the river to the quarry that would admit sloops from 
the river quite to the quarry. On this land is a quantity of young wood 
and an orchard. The dwelling-house is four years old, is good, nearly 
finished, and painted. We offer to sell to the state at the price «foresaid, 
and on the terms aforesaid, the whole of the above described property, 
or a part of it, at a proportionable price. We state further, that there are 
fifici'n or twenty acres more of quarries adjoining the aho\e, that belong 
to other persons, that may be had on reasonable terun.s. We request the 
committee to call and examine for themselves. 



EBENEZER PRATT, ? . .u r c u i 
ANSEL LEWIS, \ ^°^^ "^ feaybrook. 



( F. No. 7. ) 

Saybrook, January 17, 1826. 
To the Committee, Sfc. 

I beg leave to call your attention to a lot of land in my possession, lu 
which there appears to be an inexhaustible quantity of good quarry 
stone. There are now a number of quarries opened, from which large 
quantities of curb, flagging, and gutter stone have annually been taken 
for a number of years past. The site is airy and pleasant, about one 
mile from a good landing on Connecticut river, and a good road from 
the quarry to the landing. For further particulars, I would refer you to 
Mr. Joseph II. Mather, the bearer of this, who will give you any fur- 
ther information required. Title indisputable. For fifteen acres of land, 
embracing the quarries above referred to, the price will not exceed six 
thousand dollars, one moiety in advance and a liberal credit for the bal- 
ance. JOHN MITCHELL. 

(G.) 
T& the Committee on the subject of a Slate Prison, S^c. 

Gentlemen — Should any considerations induce you to recommend 
to the Legislature of the State, to change the location of the State 
Prison, we would invite your attention to the town of Wethersfield, and 
to a location, w hich in our estimation, combines many advantages for 
such an institution. 

The town of Wethersfield is situated in the very centre of the state, on 
a navigable river, adjoining the seat of the courts, in the counties of Hart- 
ford and Middlesex, and nearer to every county town in the state than 
the present location. It is situated on the great public road from Bostort 



31 

throiip,h Hartford, Middletonn, New-Haven to New-York — atibrding ev- 
ery facility fur land and water transportation. 

Wotlitrsfield is an at^riculmral town, afTordiiiK probably a greater quan- 
tity a".d value of produce than any town in the state. Provisions are al- 
wnys plenty, of ^ood quality, and cheap: Board is often obtained for one 
dollar or one dollar and a quarter per week. 

In Wethersfield there are few mechanics — not a single Cooper, and 
yv't SOOO casks are annually wanted, to transport fish and provisions to 
distant markets from this sinj^le town. 

The contiguity of Wethersfield to Hartford, where raw materials may 
al". ays be purchased, and manufictured articles sold, a distance by kind 
of only 2^ miles, and by water 3 miles, may certainly be considered as 
jDuch in its favor, as a location for the Prison. Its easy communication 
with Middletown, both by land and water, a distance of 11 in'le';, may 
also be stated in favor of Wethersfield. Here in the midst of a dinse 
population, with Hartford on the one side and Middletown on the other, 
your prison will be frequently visited, and individuals may be selected, in 
either of those cities, who will look well to its interests and correct its 
abuses. 

The location which has been offered the Committee at the price of 
;S!l,000, a plan of which with the offer is hereunto annexed, is situated in 
the village of Wethersfield, less than half a mile, from its centre. It con- 
sists of about 8 acres of excellent land, bounded on one side by the stage 
road from Boston to New-York, and on the other by the channel of 
Wethersfield cove. The front on the road is about 14 rods, with the ad- 
dition of 8 rods more if wanted, and on the Cove about 50 rods. The 
("•round is excellent for gardening, pasturage, &ic. and on the Cove is a 
fishery of considerable value. This location is half a mile from the town 
line dividing Wethersfield from Hartford, and two and a half miles from 
the city. 

The advantages of this situation ai"e, first, its contiguity to navigable 
water. The water directly in front of the lot, is at least 25 feet deep at 
low tide. It is estimated that a good and permanent wharf may be erect- 
ed for 200 dollars, safe from floods and ice. The channel out of the riv- 
er, is from 10 to 30 feet deep except two small bars, which it is estimated 
may be removed at an expense, of less than 2j dollars. The Cove forms 
an excellent harbor : vessels can lie in perfect safety, and the boldness of 
the shore makes cheap and easy wharting. ^Vithin 40 feet of the water 
is a high bluff — an excellent site for the building — affording a beautiful 
prospect of the river, cove and surrounding country. This eminence is 
about 35 feet above the conamon surface of the cove. It is a fact, as far 
as we can ascertain, that there is no other point of land from Suffield to 
Middletown, on the west side of the river, not now occupied by buildings 
or wharfs, that comes in contact with navigable water and yet is never 
overflowed in floods. None is known on the east side that would be eli- 
gible as a location for this Institution. Another advantage of this spot 
is the quantity of materials in its vicinity for making brick. On the very 
ground and immediately contiguous to it, the quantity of clay is inex- 
haustable. It is from 2n to 25 feet in depth for a considerable extent of 
country. On the top of the clay, is, in many places a bed of sand, from 
4 to 10 feet deep. This clay is of an excellent quality — bearing a larger 
quantity of sand than is common in the manufacture of brick — the brick 
made from it are durable — buildings now stand in Wethersfield, erected 
of them nearly a century ago, exhibiting fair and even surfaces. On the 
very spot, all the brick may be made by the prisoners themselves, that 
would be required in the construction of the prison. Wall stone may be 
procured from Chatham for from three to four shillings the perch, and 



32 

chip stone may be purchased very cheap, and would be equally good for 
many purposes. A quarry of VVhinstone, (iron stone) is situated on the 
river, S miles below which can be easily obtained, antl another cjuarry of 
the same stone of an excellent quality is distant lA miles north west, from 
■which good stone may be procured from 3 to 4 shilliuss the perch, deliv- 
ered on the spot. Another advantage of this situation is its contiguity to 
the fisheries. From 2 to 3000 barrels are annually caught in this cove. 
These fish are worth about 17 cents the hundred, and will furnish cheaper 
living for the convicts, than any animal food whatever — they can be cuied 
so as to cost about gl 20 a barrel, containing from 30 to 40 dozens. — 
Should coopeiing still continue to be the employment of a part of the 
convicts. Two or three thousand barrels will be wanted annually to pack 
the fish caught in this co-vo and its immediate vicinity. 

It may be further stated in favor of this location, that it is contiguous 
to a number of tine springs of water which can be brought on to the very 
scite here proposed. The cove water can bo easily raised b)f means of 
pumps connected with lateral tubes. 

The hnportance of locating this institution contiguous to navigable wa- 
ter will continue to be obvious. As the country becomes destitute of tim- 
ber to supply the demand for the mechanic, or fuel for the use of the pris- 
on, other resources, more distant, can supply the demand at a reasonable 
rate. 

The time is probably not far distant when this and all similar 
establishments will make use of fossil coal for the purpose of warming. 
Its slow combustion, uniform heat, and the little attention it requires after 
once ignited, render it peculiarly useful for such an institution. The wa- 
ter communication will be valuable, and is indispensible if the business of 
brick-making be pursued, as large quantities must annually be transported 
to foreign markets for sale. Finally, we conclude that the town of Weth- 
ersfield combines many advantages for the location of the State Prison, 
and that the site which we recommend to the consideration of the com- 
mittee, is well calculated for carrying into effect the various improvements 
proposed as to the employment and confinement of the convicts. That, 
situated in such a country as this, where living is so cheap, provisions so 
plenty, the intercourse with the surrounding country so easy, where the 
public eye will constantly be upon it, a fair experiment can be made, 
whether our Prison shall continue to be a heavy tax to our citizens, a 
school of vice and a disgrace to the state, or whether it shall support it- 
self, and add to our revenue, afford opportunity and means for the refor- 
mation of the culprit, and add one more to the already numerous, highly 
useful public institutions of our state. 

Respect/'ulhj submitted, 
JESSE GOODRICH, ) Committee of sundry 

SAMUEL B WOODWARD, V persons in the vicinitij of 
WINTHROP BUCK, S '''<' Location. 

Wethersfield, April 20, 1826. 

(H.) 

A Plan of the New Prison. 



Estimation of expcnces for htiilding a Stale Prison, airrfcnhle to the pt<i, 
exhibited bi/ the Committee on J\"ew-Gute Friaoii. 

99,360 feet Stone luid in mortar, ;it 11 els. per foot, 10,929 60 

6,160 „ „ for flooring-, 25 cts. 1,540 00 

240,000 Ui-icks, ;,t $8 per thousand, . . . 2,720 GO 
61,734 feet Timber, hoard measure, for frame, framed and 

raised, at $18 per M. .... 1,11121 

10,680 feet Slating for roof, including' labor, 9d. . 1.335 00 

68,000 Shingles, including boarding, labor, nail%&.c. $8 prM. 544 00 

14,676 feet l-'loor, 5 cts. per foot, . . . 733 80 

150 Plank Doors, trimming, &.C. $5. . . . 750 00 

84 Windows, containing 30 panes, 8 by 10 glass, }7 538 00 

16,128 lbs. Iron for grating, &.C. 9d. . . . 2,016 00 

20 Pannel Doors, trimmed, &c. $6 . , 120 00 

30 Windows for shops, $4. . . . 12a GO 

1,500 yards Plastering, 25 cts. per yard, . . 375 00 

Add for contingencies on the above account, 10 per cent. 2,288 26 



Amount, ..... $25,170 92 

(K.) 

Report on the concerns of the Neic- Hampshire Siafe 
Prison, for the year ending 3Iay 31, 1825, 

INCOME. 

/ From the Stone Shop. 

The property on band, appertaining to this depart- 
ment, consisting of rough and hammered stone, and 

. tools, amounted May .31, 1824, to the sum of $ 1,002 95 

Stock purchased since that time, wages and board 
of overseer, fepairs, &c 9,202 04 

Making the sum disbursed on account of this depart- 
ment, $13,264 99 

The sales of lianimered stone, during the last year, lfi,327 53 

Stock and tools ou hand, May 31, 1325, . . 4.711 20 

Making together the sum of ' . . 21,038 73 

Which exceeds the disbursements, and is to be con- 
sidered as the amount of receipts from the Stone- 
Shop the last year, ________ ^7,773 74 

Irom the Smith-Shop. 

Stock and tools on hand, May 31, 1824, 6.53 80 

Stock since purchased, wages, k.c. . . . 1,272 52 

1,926 32 

Received and charged for work done in this Shop, 2,434 32 
Stockand tools on hand, May 31, 1825, . . 583 G2 

3,017 94 

Exceeding the sum disbursed, — — — — — — 1,091 62 

Frotn the Coopers' Shop. 

Stockandtools on hand. May 31,1824, . . 97185 

Stock since purchased, repairs, &.c. . . . 217 43 

1,189 28 

Received and charged for articles sold, . . . 981 27 

Stock and tools on hand, May 31, 1825, . . 478 51 

1,459 78 

Exceeding the disbursements, -_»_—. — ~. — 270 .'i'- 



M 



±'rom the Shoe-Shop. 

Stock and t.,olsou lm>ici. :May 31, 1824, . 142 32 

Stock siutf purchaaed, C5 30 

Received and chai'g^ed, 240 52 

Stock aud tools on hand, .May 31,1825, . 88 42 

Exceeding tlie dlfi'urgemcr.ts, 

Received for paiming, 

lor weaving, ....... 

for tailoring, ..... 

for interest, ...... 

from visitors, ..... 



Total amount of receipts. 



207 fe 



328 94 



45 78 


32 42 


. 6 OG 


350 64 


256 96 



121 3^ 



691 86 

§9,949 04 



EXPENDITURES. 

Provisions on hand, May 31, 1824, . , 1,097 88 

Do. since j)urchased, . . . 736 06 

Provieions on liaiiil, May 31, 1825, .... 

Leaving for the amount consumed the last year, 
Clothing and hedding ou hand. May 31, 1824, . 4.32 73 

Do. since purchased, . . . 446 67 

On hand, May 31, 1825, ..... 

Consumed the last year, ..... 

Furniture :ind fuel on hand. May 31, 1824, 484 58 

Since paid for wages and subsistence of Deputy 
Warden, and watchmen, for repairs, fuel, and in- 
cidental expenses .... 1,860 50 

Deduct furniture and fuel on hand, May 31, 1825, 

Leaves for the net amount of these expenses the 

year past, ....... 

Hospital Department, ..... 

Allowed to Josiah Rogers, by a resolve of the Legis- 
lature at their late November session, on the de- 
mand ngainst him, . . . . ■ 

Total amount of expenses, ..... 

Balance gained to the Institution, .... 

PROPERTY ON HAND. 

M.\v 31, 1824. 
Furniture in the house, 
Furniture in the prison. 
Fuel, 

Beds and bedding, 
Clothing, 
Provisions, 

Stone-Shop Department, 
Smith-Shop do. 
Coopers' Shop do. 
Shoe Shop do. 

Weavers' Shop do. 



1,833 94 
723 32 



899 40 
442 24 



1,110 6x 



457 16 



2.345 0» 
465 89 






1,879 19 
53 68 

107 82 




3,608 47 
6 340 T, 



Deci«a3ed since May, 1824, 





Mav31, 182.5. 


149 54 


146 25 


117 54 


142 


14 


187 50—484 53 


177 


50_465 89 


277 50 


276 


50 


175 23—452 73 


165 74—442 24 


. 1,097 88 




723 32 


. 4,002 95 




4,711 20 


653 80 




:>i» 62 


971 85 




47 8 51 


142 32 




88 42 


25 00 




25 00 


7,831 11 


7,518 20 


24. . ' . 




312 91 



7.831 11 



ss 

DEBTS AJVD CASH. 

Debts due, May 31,1824, 

On Book, . 3,319 61 

On Note, . 4,685 43 8.005 04 

Debts owintr — deduct, . . . 230 28 

Balance in favor, . . * 7,774 76 i 

Due. May ;U. 1825, | 

On Book, . 8,625 88 / , ^»i^4«_A 

On Note, . 2,688 52 11,314 40 Sl^^ 

Owint;— tieduct 925 79 

Balance in favor, . . 10,388 61 

Inrreasi'd balance of debts since 

Mav31.183l 2.613 8^ 

Casli on hand, May 31, 1824, . 1.388 13 

1825, . . 5,427 76 increased balance,4,039 63 

Total increase of the balance of debts, and cash, since last year, . 6,f)53 48 

From which deduct the decreased amount of property on hand, . 312 91 

Leaves, for the amount gained to the Institution, the sum of . $6,340 5/ 

MOSES C, PILSBURY, Warden. 
Concord, June 3, 1825. 



V ERR A T.4.— In 8Ui page of the Report, 3d line of 2d paragraph, for ptrsons read 
Iprisoiiers, Sic. 



12?""^ °^ CONGRESS 



014 110 320 ^'"^ 



K 



